Indiana Creationism Bill Widened

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A proposal to allow creationism to be taught along with evolution in Indiana classrooms has been expanded beyond Christianity.

Authored by State Sen. Dennis Kruse, Senate Bill 89 would give school districts the option on whether to allow creationism to be taught in science class.

The state Senate approved an amendment to the Teaching of Origin of Life bill Monday.

The amendment offered by State Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington) states “the curriculum for the course must include theories from multiple religions, which may include, but is not limited to, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Scientology.”

“It does make it clear that a school board can’t just say we’re only going to teach Christian creation theory but we also have to cover other multiple religions,” Simpson told the Associated Press.

Even with the amendments, critics have concerns that the proposal still conflicts with past Supreme Court rulings regarding separation of church and state.

SB 89 could be voted on in the Senate this week. It would then go to the House of Representatives for consideration.